Stefanos Tsitsipas has made a name for himself since turning pro in 2016. The 21-year-old has been improving gradually year by year. The player recently achieved a career-high ranking of number five in August. He recently participated in the Laver Cup, helping Team Europe retain the title. His strong performances in tournaments have increased his popularity in Greece and with fans all over the world. The increased popularity has made it a little difficult for Tsitsipas to move freely in public.
Tsitsipas getting popular in Greece with Maria Sakkari
Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari are currently the best tennis players from Greece. The two have enjoyed success in the ATP and WTA tours. The Greek has won three singles titles in his career. He won the NextGen finals title in Milan in 2018. His fellow players selected him as the ATP most improved player that year. Maria won her first singles title at the Morocco Open this year. The 23-year-old became the second woman to win a singles title from Greece. She is currently ranked 30th on the singles rankings. Both players have seen their popularity rise in their country due to their achievements on the court.
Beating Federer and Nadal helped his popularity
This year has seen Tsitsipas’ performances earn him even more recognition. He reached the Australian Open semi-finals this year, defeating Roger Federer in the quarterfinals before losing to Rafael Nadal. He would get a measure of revenge over the Spaniard by upsetting the 19-time Grand Slam champion in the semi-finals of the ATP 1000 Masters in Madrid. The 21-year-old has said it is now harder for him to hang out with his friends in public. He said,
“People know who I am they watch me on TV. They recognize me more. It’s a bit difficult to hang out with my friends.” While admitting it is sometimes annoying, he is happy to have fans approach him. “Many times it can be bothering when you enjoy yourself with your friends and someone comes to you and speaks to you. But I understand it, they are fans and that’s their only chance to get to know me.”
Tsitsipas trying to qualify for the ATP Finals in London
As the tennis season draws to its conclusion, Stefanos is aiming to qualify for the ATP finals in London in November. The 21-year-old will also represent Greece in the Davis Cup finals later that month. He is currently in action at the China Open where he will face John Isner in the quarterfinals.
Tsitsipas in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2019
Ranked no.7, Tsitsipas has a 40-20 win-loss record in 2019. Stefanos is currently playing in Beijing where he beat Dusan Lajovic 4-6 6-3 6-4, Nikoloz Basilashvili 4-6 6-3 6-2 and John Isner 7-63 6-3.
Tsitsipas will fight against Zverev in the semifinal. The head to head is 2-1 for Tsitsipas.
The last time that they locked horns, Tsitsipas won 7-5 3-6 6-2 in the quarter in Madrid in 10th May 2019.
The Greek conquered 2 titles in 2019 in Marseille and in Estoril. The Greek was the finalist in Dubai and in Madrid.
Stefanos Tsitsipas |
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